As the 2025 ATP Tour season draws to a close, the official shortlist for the Best ATP Tour Match of the Year—curated by the tour itself—spotlights five unforgettable battles that captured the attention of fans worldwide. These encounters weren’t just wins; they were statements of character, skill, and the unpredictable magic of the game of tennis. Here’s a breakdown of each match, reliving the key moments that made them stand out.

Miami Open Third Round  – Alex de Minaur Defeats Joao Fonseca (5-7 7-5 6-3)

Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur faced a roaring crowd backing 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca, who channeled the energy into an explosive first set, breaking late to steal it 7-5. Fonseca’s baseline power had de Minaur on the ropes, but the Aussie dug deep. He had a game plan to target Fonseca’s legs, using short, angled balls that constantly changed direction, and kept the low slice to the backhand to put even more pressure on the legs. Fonseca could handle it for a set and a half, but after a while, it just took its toll. De Minaur physically outlasted Fonseca.

De Minaur was all over the court playing phenomenal defense in the second and third sets, and when he had the chance, he was clinical attacking. His energy on the third set was basically the same as it was at the start. He displayed incredible resilience and stamina. It was also an exercise in mental fortitude, and the Australian stayed composed despite the crowd cheering for his opponent throughout the match. It was as electric an atmosphere as you can witness for a tennis match.

Monte-Carlo Masters Quarterfinal – Carlos Alcaraz Edges Arthur Fils (4-6 7-5 6-3)

A great clay-court match unfolded under the Monte Carlo sun as Carlos Alcaraz met French prodigy Arthur Fils in their first-ever encounter. Fils, riding a wave of confidence, bossed the opening set with aggressive forehands and tactical variety, breaking Alcaraz to love en route to a 6-4 lead. The Spaniard, no stranger to pressure, responded with vintage flair, but not without a scare—trailing 5-5 in the second, he faced triple break point at 0-40 before unleashing a barrage of winners to hold and break for 7-5. He showed nerves of steel to win the second set.

The third set saw Alcaraz rally from a 1-3 deficit, his drop shots and inside-out forehands turning the tide in high-octane rallies that averaged over 20 shots. Alcaraz barely let Fils win any points behind his second serve. A final 6-3 hold capped a 2-hour, 23-minute masterclass, advancing Alcaraz to the semis. Fils’s boldness nearly toppled the king, but Alcaraz’s experience and adaptability shone through, reminding everyone why he’s the defending Roland Garros champion.

Citi DC Open Quarterfinal – Corentin Moutet Stuns Daniil Medvedev (1-6 6-4 6-4)

If chaos is the spice of tennis, this Washington quarterfinal delivered big time. Lucky loser Corentin Moutet entered as a heavy underdog against hard court specialist Daniil Medvedev, who dismantled him 6-1 in a one-sided opener amid sweltering D.C. heat. But Moutet flipped the script as his loopy forehands and drop-shot sorcery broke Medvedev at love for the second set.

Cramps plagued both players in the decider, turning it into a survival test. Moutet, wracked with pain, saved match points while Medvedev unravelled when serving to stay in the match as he hit three double faults against someone who was cramping with pain. The climax? A scrambling Moutet point featuring a net cord, desperate lob, and a wide volley—sealing the 6-4 upset in 2 hours and 25 minutes. This win helped Moutet enter the top 50 for the first time. 

Vienna Open Final – Jannik Sinner Outlasts Alexander Zverev (3-6 6-3 7-5)

Vienna Open delivered a heavyweight title fight between world No. 2 Jannik Sinner and world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, whose contrasting styles—Sinner’s flat precision versus Zverev’s booming serve—promised fireworks. Zverev struck first, serving unbelievably and playing aggressive tennis to pocket the opening set 6-3, but Sinner adjusted with better returns to level at one set apiece in a clinical 6-3.

The decider turned dramatic as Sinner cramped in his left hamstring at 4-4, guzzling pickle juice courtside before roaring back with aggressive shotmaking and net approaches. He broke Zverev at 5-5 after a 30-shot rally, then held firm to win 7-5 in 2 hours and 28 minutes, extending his indoor hard-court streak to 20 and claiming his fourth title of 2025. This gritty victory underscored Sinner’s evolution as a player.

Athens Final – Novak Djokovic Conquers Lorenzo Musetti (4-6 6-3 7-5)

At 38, Novak Djokovic added another chapter to his legendary tale in Athens, battling 23-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti in a final that tested the limits of endurance. Musetti, with his one-handed backhand artistry, stole the first set 6-4 by outmanoeuvring Djokovic in extended rallies. The Serb, however, channelled his inner warrior and lost just three points on his serve in the second set and broke Musetti in his first chance.

The third set was a battle: 13 break points, five breaks of serve, and Djokovic twice letting 3-1 and 5-3 leads slip. Musetti’s artistry and variety kept it alive, but Djokovic’s defense—diving for impossible balls—and mental steel prevailed as he served out to love at 7-5. The 2-hour, 59-minute epic marked Djokovic’s 72nd hard-court title, eclipsing Roger Federer’s Open Era record.

Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images